Technical Random warning lights come on???

[Randan]

Hi there, where do I start? Driving on motorway about 5 weeks ago in my 51 reg 1.2 sporting speadgear when a bleeping sound starts. I realised it was the reverse gear warning sound! Went off after a few seconds. I was just indicating and gently coming off the motorway onto the services slip road. Carried on after short break and all ok....did it again! The D (drive) on the dash also flashes very quickly on and off to R (reverse). I started to worry when it did it again and I then saw the Auto Transmission warning light flashing ( red car outline with raised bonnet).As soon as I stopped and put it into Park...it all was ok.Drove to garage as car was perfect to drive. They had some trouble getting the Transmission dip stick off but finally did and told me that the level was ok. I then drove a long stretch of over 100 miles and all was ok.
I had been experiencing for a few weeks previous at start up as if I needed a new battery....slow turning etc.
Last monday after ordering my new battery for fitting at the garage the next day I couldn`t get it to start at all. The breakdown guy said my alternator was working ok on his machine and as he used the jump leads and my car started he confirmed my belief that it was my battery.
I got the car to start in the morning no prob and drove the 40 miles home to my garage. They couldn`t start it and suggested it wasn`t the battery which he showed me was reading as good.So £180 later and a new starter motor I was on my way.
But I`m still getting this beeping sound and random flashing of the Auto Transmission warning light:bang:? I have driven for 100 miles and nothing....but then I can brake,indicate to turn into my road...and it`s back for a few seconds??? I occasionally get my handbrake warning light come on and off too and last week my engine management light came on....but didn`t show it`s self again?
Do you think that this is some kind of shorting/bad earth etc as the car drives and seems perfectly ok?!!

 

[T613]

Did you ever find a solution to this problem? My 2002 1.2 16V Speedgear (ECVT) has just started acting the same way:
* Reverse beeper going on in short bursts - typically when applying the brake(?).
* Transmission warning starts flashing - but no noticeable effect on driving.
* Light will go away if "L" or "N" is selected, but it soon comes back.
* Gear selector is clicking every time I apply the brake pedal.

Oil level is OK and there are no suspicious sounds or smells.

Randan?
Anybody?

 

[Ziggy122]

good Revival of an old thread

Now if i remember correctly - the Flicking into the Drive to Reverse is todo with an earthing issue - causing by the brake lights

Get the rear Light clusters off - give the plugs and connectors a good clean up
Clean the Main Boot Earth point if needed

and I'd be compelled todo the engine bay earths too!

Ziggy

 

[T613]

At first I thought you had to be joking...

But of course it makes perfect sense! If the ground connector on the rear light - the right-hand one to be exact - is dodgy (WHICH IT WAS!), the current will flow back through the reverse light + lead, turn on the alarm beeper and undoubtedly confuse the ECU.

A few minutes work with some contact cleaner spray and the problem is now solved. Gone!

Thank you! :worship:

 

[Ziggy122]

Now dont be surprised if the fault comes back in a Few weeks im sad to say

As the Other cluster may confuse the Gearbox - and contact cleaner or solvent isn't really enough

I've had to get some wet and dry paper (did it dry btw) on my lights contact before giving up and getting a dremel on it to clean it all up

as it might look like its cured it for now - as the flow of electricity is restored but when the contact cleaner is gone and it start to corrode again - it'll need a proper clean

Ziggy

 

[T613]

Now dont be surprised if the fault comes back in a Few weeks im sad to say

I know...

I also own an elderly Czech car
But as I am an electronic technician, I am not afraid of simply electrical problems like this. When spring comes, I intend to clean AND seal all connectors in the car.

After initially having been worried if I might be needing a new gearbox, this problem is peanuts

 

[Ziggy122]

i wouldnt seal the plugs up
Just make sure the pannel behind the light cluster is clean and that the seal is also clean

when you put it back on - make sure its nice and tight as well

Ziggy